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Friday, October 4, 2013

It can be SO hard to get my two-year old to eat protein - so I love that these muffins are packed with Greek yogurt + eggs....and free of refined sugar, wheat and oils. An added bonus is that I LOVE them too! And oats are supposed to help with breast-milk production...double bonus! They are so easy to make!

Here is what you need:

{Makes 1 Dozen Muffins}

Blender

Aluminum cupcake liners (the muffins stick to paper liners)

Cupcake/muffin pan

2 Over-ripe bananas

2 1/2 cups of Old Fashioned oats

1 cup of Greek yogurt

3 eggs

Half cup of honey (agave or sugar work too)

1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp Baking Soda

Pre-heat Oven to 400 degrees

Pour oats into blender - little by little - until the oats looks like flour

Add baking soda + baking powder (blend)

Add bananas (blend)

Add Greek yogurt (blend)

Add Honey/sweetener (blend)

Add eggs (blend)

After everything is good and blended - pour into aluminum cupcake liners in cupcake/muffin pan

Bake for 22 minutes

Enjoy! So easy for your toddler to grab for breakfast! And so easy for mommas to snack on during middle-of-the night breast feedings.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

In honor of Mesothelioma Awareness Day, we wanted to share this mother's heartbreaking story. She hopes to provide hope and awareness to this little known cancer - she is asking that you donate your status to share this message:http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Braden had one of his little {almost} two-year old melt-downs today and he really needed to just "chill out." None of my normal tricks worked for the cranky little booger. Then I plopped him in an empty box {thank you Amazon} with two crayons and some Jack Johnson Lullabies. Total zen moment {45 minutes worth}. Ahhhh! Relaxing for momma too!

Loving the Crayola washable large crayons...they wipe off walls, high-chair trays, etc. SO easily! Braden obviously loves them too! Going to re-name him "Braden and the Purple Crayon."

Friday, June 21, 2013

With baby #2 on the way {still no name for baby girl} - my "planner/Type A" self is already daydreaming about her nursery. Since this is not my "first rodeo" - I know what we actually NEED in her nursery {though the white chandelier I've been eyeing is obviously a "must" too}....hehe. Here is a list of suggested items for setting up a nursery:

1) Crib: I know, I know...pretty obvious!

2) Blackout Curtains: These are SO essential for nap-time, early bed times, daylight savings, etc. Get them! And don't skimp. As pretty as sheer ones are...they are basically useless (you want your little one to be able to sleep...TRUST me on this one). I have found the best value on blackout curtains to be on Amazon.

3) Chair: Get a chair, any chair. A rocker/glider is certainly nice but not necessary - just get something comfortable with arm rests. You will be nursing or bottle feeding your little one SO much in the first few months and you will want a comfortable and quiet place to sit in his/her nursery. I would also suggest an ottoman or footrest. This helps to make the long and constant nursing/feeding sessions SO much more comfortable to be able to "kick your feet up."

4) Soft Light: Get a nice/soft light to have next to your nursing/feeding chair and for late night check-ins. You don't want to have to put the bright/overhead light on every time you do a check-in or night feeding. I really have loved this little soft light from Ikea (love that its made of plastic for accidental falls). I also really love the Cloud B Twilight Turtle for night check-ins.

6) Cool Mist Humidifier: This is definitely something you will need to help ease stuffy noses. Cool mist was recommended by my pediatrician to avoid burns from curious little ones. We really love the Crane humidifier - works great and has replacement filters to keep things clean.

7) Waterproof Covers: Get a waterproof cover for your crib mattress and changing pad. There will be accidents and leaks....trust me!

8) Spare Sheets and Changing Covers: Like I mentioned above...there will be leaks! Be sure to have an extra set of crib sheets and an extra changing pad cover.

9) Diaper Pail: This will help to keep the nursery smelling fresh if you are planning to use disposable diapers. And this is an absolute MUST if you have curious pups...they will eat diapers! Be sure to get a diaper pail/diaper genie that can be locked.

10) Changing Station: Along with some sort of changing table (though the floor/blanket will work JUST fine too) - you will want some sort of diaper caddy that has all your essentials. It is nice to have diapers, wipes, creams, etc in one clean/easy spot.

Hope this list help! Any other practical items that you felt were necessary for the nursery set-up!? Would love to hear from you! I will be sure to post pictures of the progress of our baby girl's nursery! Can hardly wait to set it up!

We are SO stoked to announce that we are expecting a little baby GIRL in October! No name yet...stay tuned! We had so much fun doing a balloon gender reveal (thank you Pinterest for the idea)...just wish my hubby had followed my "orders" to get a PLAIN white box {not one with HUGE Orange Home Depot logos}...sigh. Oh well! Just wanted to share a few pictures from the big reveal over the weekend!

The moment we found out we were having a girl! Clearly, I am SO excited. Hubby looks a little nervous...haha.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and you better be planning something special! Being a mother is a full-time job and it deserves a serious celebration {and a goodie...or two}. If you are on a serious budget - give your wife the "morning off." Grab the kiddos and take them to the park + a drive thru Starbucks while your wife sleeps in...takes a bubble bath...whatever she wants! She will love taking the morning off {and a yummy Starbucks never hurts either}. Breakfast in bed is always good too - but make sure she doesn't end up doing clean up! Here are a few of my favorite Mother's Day items {all budget friendly} to show that you appreciate EVERYTHING she does! Don't forget a card! And if all else fails - just get a lovely bouquet of flowers!

TOMS crocheted slip-ons - $54. Love the boho feel of these shoes for the Summer. They are so comfy and breezy - making them a perfect gift.

Skip Hop Duo Diaper Bag: Chevron - $58. If your little ones are still in the diapering age - grab her a new & stylish diaper bag. There are LOTS of cute options at Nordstrom in a wide price range (currently swooning over the Danzo San Ysidro diaper bag). I really love the Skip Hop bags because they are super functional & budget friendly (machine washable, lots of pockets, stroller straps, etc). But find one that fits her fabulously unique personality!

Manicure/Pedicure - Price Varies. With Summer sandal season coming soon she will love going to relax and get her piggies painted. A great buy is the Spa Finder gift card at Costco - you get a 20% discount when you purchase the cards - which is a nice cost saving.Okay guys - make your momma or wifey feel special {she deserves it}! Happy Mother's Day!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

We live in Texas and it is {unbearably} HOT in the Summer! I just thought I would put together a little list of some of my favorite baby/toddler items to battle the heat. This San Diego girl is still trying to get used to these Texas Summers (yes, I am a HUGE wimp)...getting ready for the temperatures to rise!

Robeez Classic Fisherman Sandals (available in lots of colors): I have so much love for Robeez booties for new walkers - the all-leather soles are so wonderful. These little sandals are perfect for the Summer heat (providing some air flow) and stay on their feet so much better than flip flops.

Popsicle Molds: I love making popsicles for Braden - this is one of my favorite recipes that I found on Pinterest for Pina Colada pops: http://therealityofskinny.tumblr.com/foodrecipes. I also love the Mott's 100% juice freezer pops at Costco because they are made with primarily apple juice...so the juices are clear and don't stain faces/hands/clothes.

Swimways Baby Float with Canopy: This thing is awesome for playing with little ones in the pool...the canopy keeps them covered from the sun and little float keeps water from getting in their faces. Pretty cool little device!

Patagonia Baby Sun Hat (available in lots of colors): Sun hats are essential for summertime with little ones...and I have found that chin straps are a MUST at helping to "keep them put!" I also love the sun hats by iPlay - lots of fun patterns and include a chin strap too.

iPlay Swim Diaper: These diapers are awesome and so much more economical than disposable swim diapers. They have plain white....or lots of fun patterns too. They are machine washable and are super soft on your little one's skin. Would highly recommend!

Mustela Mineral Sunscreen: I love this sunscreen for my son's super sensitive skin. It does not sting his skin...it doesn't have any weird odors and it is super gentle. And my love affair with Mustela baby products continues....

Another product that I am loving for the Texas heat is this little portable cooling device for carseats and strollers - Cool on the Go Cooling Device. Any products that you love to battle the heat? Would love your input!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

One of the hardest things for me {since becoming a mother} is that I wish my family lived closer so that they could spend more time with my son. I am SO blessed to have my little sister and husband's family nearby - but the rest of my immediate family lives in Montana and Wyoming {and I miss them like crazy}. These are some of my favorite ways to keep in touch:

1) Postagram App: This free app has been so awesome at keeping in touch with family! Grandparents LOVE printed photographs so much more than emails {or at least mine do}. This app allows you to send postcards straight from your iPhone/Android photo library or Instagram account for $.99. The app saves your addresses and CC information - making it a BREEZE to send photos often. My family loves getting little postcards in the mail...plus the photos pop out (and are on a nice/thick stock) making them easy to share on refrigerators, etc. The Sincerely Ink app is also wonderful (and free) and allows for a little more customization on your postcards for $1.99/each (great for Birthday and holiday wishes).

2) Recordable Storybooks: My mom sent our son one of these recordable storybooks from Hallmark and he ADORES it! I love that he can hear my sweet momma's voice at bedtime. This is such a wonderful gift from a long-distance grandparent - and they have LOTS of books to choose from. The books are light activated...so be sure to read next to a lamp or under a light so that it can function properly.

3) Skype/iChat: Even if your parents/grandparents are not "up to speed" on the Internet/tech world. You have to convince them/teach them to use Skype and/or iChat. They will love being able to interact with your little ones and your little ones will LOVE it too! Even if they have older computers or don't have smart phones...you can buy a video camera separately for $15 that plugs into their USB port and download the Skype application for free. Make weekly Skype/iChat dates to make sure that they get on your busy calendar - it is SO worth it!

4) Instagram: If you are going to convince your family to try any social media...I would recommend Instagram. I love that its just pictures. No lengthy, annoying status updates...no nonsense. Just pictures with short/sweet captions. Plus, your parents/grandparents can set their accounts to be completely private (which might ease some of their paranoia about "The Unknown World Wide Web").

5) Care Packages: My Mom is SO good about sending sweet little care packages to our son. She finds fun little trinkets and snacks...and they bring a huge smile to B's face when he gets to open his fun surprises. These packages can be put together by grandparents/Aunts, etc. super inexpensively with toys from the Target dollar aisle, used book stores, etc. They don't need to be anything fancy! Just some fun trinkets to let them know that family is thinking of them. There is also this really cool company called Citrus Lane that will put the packages together for you based on the child's age for a $21/month subscription.

6) Credit Cards that earn airline miles: Find a credit card that earns airline miles to help make flight purchases more manageable. These cards tend to have HIGH interest rates, so be sure to be smart/savvy and pay off your balance monthly. Also make sure that the annual fees are not more than you would have spent annually on airline tickets {just be sure to read fine print}. But this can be a wonderful way to earn some miles while making purchases on gas, groceries, etc.

Any other tips for keeping in touch with out-of-town family!? I would love to hear from you!

Monday, April 8, 2013

I am so thrilled to announce that we are pregnant with #2! I can hardly wait for Braden to be a big brother and for our family to grow to a "bunch" of four! With this wonderful news, I thought I would post some of my absolute favorite products while pregnant:

Asos Maternity: This is one of my favorite gems for finding cute maternity gear. Free shipping (both ways) and lots of cute stuff for all sorts of occasions. They have great sales too! Found a black gown for my best friend's wedding for $34. Score! I am already ordering maternity gear because my baby bump showed up SO much faster with #2! It was nuts!

Hanky Panky Underwear: Okay, these undies are not cheap. But I LOVE them. They are so comfy/stretchy before and during your pregnancy (one size fits most)...and so much sexier than maternity panties. You can usually find them cheaper at Nordstrom Rack & Neiman Marcus Last Call. Or Target has the best budget friendly version in the robe/pj section for $5.

Weleda Pregnancy Oil: This oil is BY FAR my favorite for itchy belly skin - calms me immediately. It has a light smell and does not leave you feeling like a "grease ball." I did not have stretch marks after pregnancy #1 (don't know if it was genetics or the oil)...but I know I am not taking any chances this time around! ;)

Leachco Body Pillow: Invest in a good body pillow! This one is $32 and is SO worth EVERY penny! I love how compact this one is (some take up your WHOLE bed) and it really helps to take some of the discomfort off your back/hips while catching some MUCH needed Z's.

Prenatal Yoga: Yoga did wonders for me (and my back) during my pregnancy. Plus the relaxing environment is great for you (and baby). If you don't have time to go to a studio - grab a DVD and practice in your living room. And if your fitness center/gym does not offer prenatal-specific yoga, try a more gentle class (Hatha is good) and make sure that it is not a heated yoga (Bikram). Notify your instructor upon arrival of your pregnancy and he/she will provide some modified poses that are safe for you...but if you are feeling uncomfortable - never push yourself. You can always plop in to the child's pose for rest (my favorite).

Lemon Ginger Tea: This tea does wonders for my nausea. So soothing and yummy (especially with a little honey).

Ginger Beer Soda: This soda (make sure it is the soda version...NOT the alcoholic..obviously) is super spicy and it PACKED with ginger. Love it for my nausea. It is also a great item to bring to parties that cocktails are served...it allows you to be social with a "cocktail looking" drink that is alcohol free. Would highly recommend....ginger ale is wonderful too! But I prefer the added spice of the ginger beer.

Any pregnancy products you can't live without? Would love to hear from you!

Monday, April 1, 2013

I have been the hugest slacker about blogging lately! Sorry folks! I have been a little crazy lately...will fill you in on those "little" details next week ;) I just wanted to share some of my favorite baby bath products that I have stolen from my son's toiletry stash:

1) Burt's Bee Baby Bee Mutipurpose Ointment: I have SUPER sensitive skin and it has been super dry lately. I lathered this stuff on my face one night (out of desperation since my other lotions & oils were not working)...and I have loved it ever since! It has a little bit of a herbal smell to it...and it goes on a tiny bit greasy...which is why I use it for my night-time routine. But I have really loved what it has done for my dry skin!

3) Mustela Musti Eau de Soin Spray: This perfume is so delicately scented and hypo-allergenic...making it a perfect fit for a momma that is nursing and carrying her little(s) all over the place. My love {obsession} for Mustela products continues.... :)

4) Aquaphor Baby To-Go Duo Pack: These little to-go tubes of aquaphor are SO perfect for stashing in your diaper bag/purse. Great for baby's delicate skin - and it is my absolute favorite product for my chapped lips. I have the world's most sensitive skin and can't use many chapsticks/lip glosses...but this stuff is SUPER gentle! Love it!

Any baby products that you have "stolen" from your little one? Please share!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Wanted to share one of my favorite moments: my husband meeting our son for the first time. He was traveling in Philadelphia (playing baseball professionally) and missed the birth...rushed home...and this was his first glimpse of our baby boy. Love at first sight.

If you are "Type A" {like me} you probably want to have your hospital bag packed ahead of time. Unless you want your hubby packing the bag...which could certainly prove to be interesting! I would suggest having a bag packed when you are full-term (37 weeks) just in case your little stinker tries to "break free" {like mine did}! These are the things that I would suggest you bring...along with a little list of things you should "snag" after your hospital stay.

Baby:Bring:

2-3 comfortable outfits - remember to keep it loose around the belly-button area. I would suggest preemie or NB sizing {you will not believe how tiny they are}.

Socks

Mittens

Fingernail file

Carseat (recommended that its already installed and been inspected)

Blanket + outerwear/sweater (depending on weather)

Swaddle

**The hospital will provide you with diapers, Vaseline, diaper creams, flannel swaddles & hats - but bring your own of these items if you would prefer cloth diapers or petroleum-free or natural products.Snag:
Hats (the ones they give you are the perfect size and so so stretchy)
Flannel blankets/swaddles
Halo sleep sack (my hospital provided one of these)
A couple newborn diapers
Used products (they can't reuse the opened diaper rash creams, Vaseline, etc - so snag it!)

Momma:Bring:

Insurance Information/ID (probably in your wallet)

Robe

Comfortable pajamas/lounge wear

Yoga pants/sweats/maxi dress to wear home from hospital (I would suggest bringing two outfits)

Nursing bra (under wire free)

Comfortable/cotton underwear (several pairs)

Slippers and/or socks

Toiletries (remember chapstick...it gets dry in that hospital room)

Pillow

Blanket (to share with baby)

Nursing Pillow

Maxi pads (only bring a few - they will have some provided for you)

Breast Pump - have the lactation nurses show you how to use it! And ask for help when you begin nursing your baby. They are free {and wonderful} resources - I would suggest you use them!

Loose "Grandma Panties" - get one size up of a package of Hane's from Walmart. Trust me - low rise undies will hurt your incision. You won't care that you are not fashionable...you want them loose (and almost baggy).

Robe

Maxi dress for wearing home...I found my incision to be sensitive and preferred to wear a flowy dress home (as opposed to pants).

Small/compact pillow to hug incision when laughing/sneezing/coughing - push it against the incision to help with pain.

Snag:

Gauzy Underwear - these hideous underwear that they provide after a C-section are amazing. They don't put pressure on your incision and are so comfortable. They are U.G.L.Y...but I would still ask your nurse if you can snag a few pairs.

{$12.99} Little ones can practice new words and animal noises with this precious little set from Land of Nod. PLUS the key ring helps to make sure that the cards are not thrown all over the house {huge added bonus}.

{$29.95} Okay - I am a little bit of a hippie and I adore wooden toys. These blocks are BPA + paint free and are so cool! My son loves stacking these blocks and they are the perfect size for his little hands. Another favorite block collection (that are more budget friendly) are the B. Squeeze Soft Blocks {$10.19}.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I thought I would start off with one of my favorite comedy routines re: traveling with baby {I adore Bill Cosby}:

Traveling with your little one(s) can certainly be stressful - even nightmare-worthy if you are planning your first trip. Let me assure you that it's not as scary as it sounds...people are generally SUPER friendly/helpful to mommas with babies {you should remember this... and pay it forward one day when you are old & grey}. Below, I have answered some questions that I had before making my first trip - hopefully the answers are useful to you:

What baby equipment should I bring and what will it cost?
In my experience, airlines allow you to check baby gear for free. PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK WITH YOUR SPECIFIC AIRLINE BEFORE TRAVEL but these are the current regulations for American Airlines. I would suggest checking the car seat upon check-in and checking an umbrella stroller upon gate-check. I also have had {several} friends tell me that they were allowed to check a pack n play/portable crib upon check-in (and that it classifies as a "baby item")...though I have never tried and can't 100% confirm. Anybody out there that can confirm that pack n plays can be checked for free? {Bueller?} You can also bring your electric breast pump as a carry-on and it did not "count" as a carry-on item...they allowed it to be an "extra." You just have to send it through the x-ray machine. I can't tell you how easy the Medela Pump in Style backpack is for traveling {its a breeze}.

What should I pack for my Carry On's?
Bring a stroller and/or a carrier. I really love a carrier because it keeps your little one close and free of random germs. You can go through the metal detector with baby IN the carrier...they will just do an extra scan. I would suggest a backpack for loading up your stuff...purses/straps can be pretty cumbersome when chasing around a crazy toddler at the airport. I have found that these nifty Knapp Sacks are amazing for travel - they are super sturdy and BIG for storing tons of goodies (including a special protective sleeve for your iPad)...plus they are hand-made (with COMPLETELY customizable color options) in Montana by my brother-in-law {shameless plug}. Hehe.
I am a big fan of Freezer storage bags.

One storage bag for two extra outfits (babies tend to blow out of their diapers at the WORST possible times...especially on airplanes).

One storage bag for snacks (non liquid)...cheerios, Goldfish, yogurt melts, etc. are small and distracting.

One storage bag with the liquid stuff that you have to send through Xray machine (hand sanitizer, chapstick, diaper rash ointment, etc.).

One storage bag with toys - I would suggest you pick up a few new toys that he/she has never seen...the Dollar aisle at Target has some goodies. For the courtesy of those around you, avoid overly noisy toys.

One storage bag with books.

Pack a thin swaddle blanket for coverage from germs and cold air IF baby naps {say a little prayer for a nap} - I love the Aden & Anais ones. Make sure to bring your iPad/Tablet and/or iPhone/Smartphone and make sure that you have PRE-DOWNLOADED some movies and apps (the WiFi on the plane can be too unpredictable to count on) - some of my favorite toddler apps are here. Or bring a portable DVD player. Trust me - you need some sort of movie distraction for the flight.

How does feeding work?
As I said above - you can bring your electric pump through security - along with all of your feeding supplies (pumped milk, formula, dairy milk, etc). Be sure to pack AT LEAST two extra servings of formula or dairy milk if you are not breast feeding. You can never know if there will be delays, etc. And a hungry baby on a plane could prove to be disastrous. For nursing - just bring a nursing cover and request a window seat so that you can lean against the wall for added comfort and privacy. I would suggest nursing or bottle feeding your baby on take-off and landing - it will help to soothe him/her. If your child does not want to nurse or drink a bottle/sippy cup - be sure to bring a binky to help pop his/her ears. Also be sure to bring plenty of snacks and non-messy foods for munching/distracting. For warming pumped milk and formula - two things you can do:

While in terminal - go to Starbucks/coffee shop and ask for a half full VENTI cup of hot water. Plop your bottle in there for warming.

While on plane - ask your flight attendant for a half full cup of hot water for warming your bottle.

How can I be proactive to fight against the airport/airplane germs?
Bring some Wet Wipes and wipe down your seating area and tray. Use hand sanitizer/wash hands frequently. Use the thin/gauzy swaddle to cover baby while sleeping to protect from germs coming from air vents. Give probiotics to baby (and momma) before and during travel - I swear by them!

The Florastor Kids powder is flavored and another favorite - I would suggest mixing into your little one's favorite yogurt.

Probiotics can also be found in Yobaby yogurt and Happy Bellies cereals (I really like both products...they are BOTH organic and have added DHA too).

How can I keep sane and organized?
Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before. Be sure to pack ahead of time (including carry on's and baby items). Be sure to take your probiotics and drink plenty of water. Arrive with PLENTY of extra time to the airport. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Avoid too much jewelry that will need to be removed during security. Bring yourself some snacks. Just breathe and enjoy this new experience with your baby. If you are relaxed and prepared - your baby will feel relaxed too!

Any other tips you can recommend!? Bon voyage! And don't forget to say a little travel prayer! :)

Monday, February 11, 2013

I just thought I would make a quick "Last Minute Gift Guide" for all the well-intentioned slackers this Valentine's Day {I am not judging...my husband is in the same group}. I work in an office full of dudes...and I have learned how you operate - you buy last minute. As much as I would love to give you some overly thoughtful ideas {maybe that adorable custom pendant necklace on etsy}...we are out of time, folks. So here is a list of Valentine gift ideas that you can pick up on your way home from the office. Everything is budget friendly and probably near your home and/or office. Ladies - feel free to {subtly} drop hints by sharing this post along to your very own "Slacker Valentine."

Nothing says Valentine's Day like a pink chemise + love birds. Plus this lovely little item is $4.00 {that is less than my latte}. Swing over to Kohl's and grab this little LC by Lauren Conrad number. Note: you will find this item in the Intimate/Nightgown department.

These little stud earrings are a perfect addition to the chemise {above} - also by LC by Lauren Conrad {$9.00}. The best thing about buying this little duo at Kohl's is that they have a wrapping paper department! Grab a pink bag + matching tissue...you will probably need to stop at a drugstore on your way home for the Valentine's card. DO NOT FORGET A CARD. Note: you will find these in the jewelry department.

This Gilligan & O'Malley robe {$22.00} is so adorable and comfortable {and available in several colors...grey, turquoise, black and coral}. And your Valentine will love how thoughtful you were to set up a luxurious bubble bath for her. Fill the tub {with the bath fizz ready to go...see below} + light some candles + pour a glass of wine. Set her new robe next to the tub. Voila. A perfect Valentine bubble bath. Note: you will find this robe in the intimate/Nightgown department.

These bath fizz "bombs" {$5.99} will make the perfect addition to your Valentine's special bath. All natural and delish smelling. Note: you will find these in the bath section - with all the bubble baths, body washes, etc. If they don't carry these bath bombs at your Target location - there are going to be other options...just PLEASE don't buy her a jug of Mr. Bubble. Thanks. ;)

Grab her 5 stems of peonies wrapped in brown paper {$12.99}. This is so much more romantic than buying a pre-made bouquet {in my opinion}. You will look like you ran to a Farmer's Market in Paris and picked her some beautiful blooms. If peonies are not available - I would suggest another "fluffy" and romantic option. Maybe hydrangeas. You can also find some beautiful flowers + gourmet chocolates at Central Market, Trader Joes or Market Street. Note: you will find these in the floral section (thank you Captain Obvious).

Get some gourmet chocolates/sweets to go with your flowers {above} - salted caramels are always a lovely option. One of my personal favorites {love their sweets + packaging} is Vosges caramel marshmallows {$27}. She may even let you try one ;) Note: you will find the gourmet chocolates in a few places - the baked goods section, the candy/chocolate section..and they probably have a special Valentine display for you to shop at.

These Kendra Scott earrings are so beautiful and easy to wear (they are surprisingly light-weight) {$52}. Plus they have them in SO many different colors - yellow, blue, pink, black, etc. -pick a color to match her style! The great thing about buying these at Nordstrom is that they will gift wrap for free - with their lovely silver bow. Please don't forget to pick up a Valentine's card on your way home. Note: you will find these in the jewelry department.

Nothing says Valentine's Day like jewelry and bubble baths. And this Philosophy bubble bath is divine {$16.99}. Bring this + your earrings (above) to the register to be wrapped. So easy. Note: this product is in the cosmetic/fragrance department. I hope this helps! Like I said {a few times} above - please don't forget a heart-felt Valentine's card. Happy Valentine's Day to all you love birds out there!

Katie Berry Photography

Capturing sweet moments.

Allie Gato Buck

Art inspired by the oddities of people and animals.

Knapp Sacks by Buck Products

Sewn from scratch in Bozeman, MT.

Arbonne Independent Consultant - Jessica Sweet

Inner Harmony Wellness is your source for the best health and beauty products from Arbonne International. Inner Harmony Wellness is the creation of Jessica Sweet, a mother to a 6 month old daughter, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, yoga instructor, and personal trainer.

Bundle Up Buddy

Warming heads, hands and hearts!

March for Babies - Team Aidan

Consider donating to this wonderful cause! "Be the change you want to see in the world."